FEDERAL PROGRAMS

We refer to the set of ONECase modules which facilitate applications for public assistance as Federal Programs. The term is a simple way to refer to Client Statement and the other ONECase modules as a group. The other modules include Base, Reception, Worker Contacts, State Interface, and Client Statement itself. 

Federal Programs is the set of modules working together to support the local processing tasks associated with preparing applications for federal assistance programs. The modules contain features which can be used with other DSS application processes. However, the Federal Program modules contain additional programs and data files which make it especially useful for the Adult Medicaid, Work First, Work First-MA and Food Stamps application processes.

The modules help the local agency complete the required application steps in a timely manner. It does not support local eligibility determination or benefits administration.

Federal Programs maintains document checklists, shell documents, merge data, and reminder ticklers. It uses client data stored in ONECase files generated from Social Worker Services and perhaps other in-county agencies. In addition, it stores data unique to each federal program.


INITIAL APPLICANT CONTACT (RECEPTION, BASE Plus)
• Maintains online record of arrival.
• Adds basic demographic and visit data about applicant.
• Starts/updates checklist of steps taken in the application process.
• Sends realtime messages to other DSS sections, including records management.
• Retains history of initial applicant contact data.
• Contains data to produce statistical reports of application experiences.

PERSON IDENTIFICATION (BASE)
• Provides flexible search paths to facilitate identifying persons known to system.
• Answers question "Does DSS already know something about this individual?"
• Checks whether person receiving other DSS services. 
• Paths can be combinations of: last name, first name, alias, street name, age range, and sex.

COLLECT APPLICATION DATA
• Supports online entry of application data for specific programs.
• Provides single entry of data common to two or more applications.
• Prints application worksheet -- partially completed with data acquired in previous applications sessions or from applications from other federal programs.
• Stores application data for later revision or update by client.

VERIFY APPLICATION DATA
• Produces written request for verification data to various sources.
• Creates shell document and sends letters to these sources without additional programming.
Sources include: County tax office, Clerk of Court, Register of Deeds, IRS, banks, employers, absent parents, Vital Records offices in other states, insurance companies.
• Tracks responses from written requests for verification of data.
• Queues application data taken by Intake workers for supervisor review. 
• Maintains online checklist of documents needed to verify application data.
• Maintains shell document for merging with name, address, and unique data pulled from application record.
• Tracks Alexander timetables.
• Maintains application record for: Adult Medicaid, Food Stamps, Work First.
• Prints "Client Application Summary" on demand.
• Feeds data to "Day Sheets Reports". 

ON-GOING CASE ACTIVITIES
• Supports Rolodex-type online access to client data.
• Adds free-form case notes online.
• Produces hardcopy Client Profile on-demand.
• Prepares local documents which initiate re-certification process.

ACTIVITY TRACKING
• Automatically sets up online activities required to process an application.
• Date and time-stamps completion of activities.
• Tracks Alexander clock.
• Closed activities become history of investigation and on-going case work.
• Feeds "day sheet" accounting with activity record data.
• Optionally prints of activity tickets for field recording and clerical input.

REPORTING
• "View Caseload by Worker"
• "Caseload by Worker Report"
• "Status Report of Open Applications"
• "Application History Report"
• "Client Profile"